The Rural Marketing Association of India (RMAI) and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), through ICAR–National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM), will jointly conduct the RMAI–ICAR Agri Conclave 2026 on 9 October 2026 at the ICAR–NAARM Campus, Hyderabad.
The Conclave is envisioned as a high-level platform bringing together agribusiness leaders, policymakers, agricultural scientists, technology innovators, agri-startups, FPOs, rural marketing professionals, academia and young management talent to deliberate on the forces transforming Indian agriculture and agribusiness.
The Rural Marketing Association of India (RMAI) is a premier not-for-profit industry body dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of rural marketing. RMAI brings together professionals and organisations from rural marketing, agribusiness, advertising and communication, technology, academia, activation, media and last-mile distribution. Through conferences, knowledge initiatives, industry interactions and recognition platforms, RMAI works towards strengthening the connection between business, markets and Bharat.
Established by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in Hyderabad in 1976, the National Academy of Agricultural Research Management (NAARM) is a premier institution focused on capacity building, research, education, policy support and management of innovation within India's agricultural research and education ecosystem. NAARM also plays an important role in agribusiness management, entrepreneurship development and strengthening the human capital required for the future of Indian agriculture.
Indian agriculture is entering a new era shaped by Artificial Intelligence, digital agriculture, precision farming, climate resilience, changing consumer markets, new value chains, agri-entrepreneurship and rapidly evolving rural distribution systems.
The RMAI–ICAR Agri Conclave 2026 will examine how these changes can translate into greater productivity, stronger market linkages, sustainable growth and improved opportunities for farmers and rural communities.
The conference will focus on themes including AI and digital transformation in agriculture, sustainable and climate-smart agriculture, technology-led productivity, value addition and food processing, rural distribution and last-mile markets, FPOs and agri-startups, future-ready agribusiness talent and industry–research collaboration.
Through keynote addresses, industry panels, thought-leadership sessions and an action-oriented industry–academia roundtable, the Conclave will seek to move from dialogue to collaboration and create opportunities for partnerships, innovation, internships, live projects, research and industry engagement.
A special highlight of the Conclave will be the RMAI Agri Awards 2026, recognising organisations, brands, institutions, startups, FPOs and initiatives that are creating measurable impact across India's agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem.
The Awards will celebrate innovation, technology, sustainability, market development and farmer impact, while providing a platform to showcase work that can inspire the next generation of agricultural transformation.
RMAI–ICAR Agri Conclave 2026 will bring together Industry, Science, Technology, Markets and Talent — with one common objective: building a more innovative, inclusive and future-ready agricultural economy for Viksit Bharat.
This year’s edition will focus on technology, finance, sustainability, and farmer empowerment, with a mix of keynote sessions, expert panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
The agenda for the Rural Agriculture Conference 2026 is designed to provide a 360° perspective on the future of Indian agriculture. Each session is carefully curated to address critical themes shaping the sector.
Together, these sessions aim to connect policy, technology, finance, sustainability, and entrepreneurship, while creating actionable strategies to strengthen India’s agricultural and rural economy.
Delegate Fee:
Key issues: Changing agribusiness models; digital agriculture and AI; precision agriculture; sustainability and climate resilience; value addition and food processing; rural distribution and last-mile markets; consumer insights; supply-chain transformation; commercialization of agricultural technologies; industry–research partnerships.
“Building the Future-Ready Agribusiness Workforce: What Employers Will Need from the Next Generation”
What recruiters really look for: field and grassroots readiness; commercial and customer orientation; digital and AI literacy; data-based decision-making; communication and stakeholder management; problem-solving; sustainability awareness; leadership potential; managing geographically dispersed teams; internships and live projects; reskilling and continuous learning.
How should FPOs and startups play in bringing innovations for the agribusiness industry of tomorrow?
As part of the RMAI–ICAR Agri Conclave 2026, the RMAI Agri Awards 2026 will recognise outstanding organisations, brands, institutions, startups, FPOs and initiatives contributing to the transformation of India's agriculture and agribusiness ecosystem.
The Awards will celebrate work that demonstrates innovation, measurable impact, scalability and relevance to farmers and rural markets.
Entries may be submitted by agribusiness companies, agri-input companies, farm machinery and equipment companies, food and processing companies, technology companies, agri-tech startups, banks and financial institutions, FPOs, cooperatives, rural marketing and communication agencies, research/academic institutions and other organisations working within the agriculture and rural ecosystem.
